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Michael Arndt to script Star Wars: Episode VII

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The force is strong with Michael Arndt, as it was officially confirmed at the weekend that the Little Miss Sunshine screenwriter would be writing the script for the upcoming Star Wars movie.

"As pre-production of Star Wars: Episode VII begins, Lucasfilm has confirmed that award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay for the new Star Wars film," read an official statement. Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas have begun story conferences with Arndt."

But one person who won't be involved in the seventh instalment of the franchise is J.J. Abrams. The director - who has been heavily linked to the project following the critical and commercial success of his Star Trek reboot - has appeared to rule himself out of the running.

"Star Wars is one of my favourite movies of all time," says Abrams. "I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series.

"I was never a big Star Trek fan growing up," he continues, "so for me, working on Star Trek didn't have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more than anyone to the next iterations of Star Wars, but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer.

Star Wars: Episode VII has already been given a release date of 17 July 2015 in the UK.